Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all the requirements below in order to meet minimum program eligibility. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Admission decisions will be available via MyHumber, or by email and mail. Admission decisions will not be released by phone.

Admission selection is based on the following 5 requirements:

Academic

To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:

Mature Applicants

Diplomas and Certificates

An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet program eligibility.

Degrees

An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

College Transfer Applicants

Diplomas and Certificates

An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

Degrees

An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

University Transfer Applicants

Diplomas and Certificates

An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

Degrees

An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

English Language Proficiency

International Credit Evaluation

Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a WES or ICAS evaluation.

Audition

Prepared Pieces: Please have two selections prepared. One must be a jazz standard and the other a classical etude or piece.

A) Jazz standard: Play one chorus of melody, one chorus bass line and a solo on a jazz standard (e.g. All the Things You Are, There Will Never Be Another You, Stella by Starlight, etc.) Piano accompaniment is provided upon request.

Intonation: You will need to tune quickly and accurately to a piano. You will also be asked to sing and play back pitches played on a piano.

Scales: You will be asked to play major, harmonic and melodic minor scales, one and two octaves, ascending and descending.

Chords: You will be asked to arpeggiate major, minor, diminished and augmented triads and four part chords (major 7, minor 7, min. 7b5, dom. 7 and diminished 7).

Sight Reading: You will be asked to read typical bass parts ranging from easy to difficult.

Bass Lines: You will be asked to construct a bass line from a chord chart.

One chorus in “2” (half notes)

One chorus in “4” (quarter notes)

One chorus in a bossa nova feel

Theory Test

The Theory and Ear Training test is a required test for all students auditioning for the degree program. It is approximately 30 to 50 minutes in length. The test has a written portion and an aural identification/dictation portion. There is no sight singing component. Study theory basics, scales and chords, and be able to aurally identify scales, intervals, and chords played on the piano. See Theory and Ear Training Test FAQs.

International Students

Visit Humber

How to Apply

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your
application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may
apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be
considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the
availability of the space in the program. To check program availability
refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber's program pages or
ontariocolleges.ca.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Humber’s Bachelor of Music degree program is unlike any other four-year degree in music in North America.

By combining the latest recording technologies and entrepreneurial business strategies with performance, production, songwriting and composition in jazz, pop, R&B, Latin and world music, graduates will be well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s music world.

Founded in 1972, the program has consistently produced many of the most successful commercial and jazz musicians in Canada and the world. With more than 350 students and a faculty of 18 full-time and 80 part-time teachers, our program is one of the largest, most diverse and highly regarded programs of its kind in the country. Long known for the strength of its professors, Humber offers you the opportunity to study privately, in classroom situations, and in several of the more than 50 ensembles directed by a who’s who of Canadian music. As Toronto is the centre of Canada’s entertainment industry, Humber attracts the top professionals in jazz, musical theatre, television, film, commercials and pop.

After two years of core music courses, you will continue with lessons on your major instrument, as well as take classes in music production and music business while also choosing from electives in arranging, composition, advanced improvisation, film scoring, music production techniques, songwriting, ethnomusicology or pedagogy.

You’ll develop musicianship and artistry by presenting your own recital, arranging and composing original material, and recording and marketing your own music.

In addition, you will take courses in music history, theory, aural training and improvisation, and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles.

All students complete a major recording project/portfolio in their fourth year. The assembled portfolio, which includes a complete press kit and professional-quality recording, as well as other promotional materials, functions as your calling card for entrance into the music industry upon graduation.

Work Term

Perform, compose, produce music at a professional level for entry to the competitive, global music industry.

Demonstrate a knowledge of diverse musical styles and contextualize themselves within contemporary music history: specifically defined as the idioms of African American musical genres, mainstream pop music, country/folk music, Latin music, music for musicals and film, art music and jazz.

Demonstrate, through performance and composition, a technical and musical mastery of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic structures.

Demonstrate, through performance, an extensive knowledge of contemporary musical repertoire and apply appropriate performance skills in diverse music contexts.

Compose and arrange in a broad range of contemporary music styles.

Prepare and present a portfolio of recorded material reflecting a broad range of styles.

Work Placement

You will participate in a work placement designed to mirror the professional music world, which is largely characterized by contract, freelance and part-time employment. You are responsible for accumulating the equivalent of 420 hours of experience which will allow you to establish contacts and relationships with key companies and industry professionals.

Our Faculty

You’ll learn from professors who have real-world experience and are active in the industry. Our professors are committed to providing you with practical, hands-on training to help you achieve the career you want.

Why Choose Humber

Preparation for the real world: Humber's Bachelor of Music Degree curriculum prepares students to thrive in the rapidly-changing music industry through a series of performance, theory, business, marketing, technology, production and other courses.

Networking opportunities and small class sizes: with a student body of over 300 and a faculty of 18 full-time and 80 part-time teachers, Humber music students get small class sizes and unparalleled access to a major portion of the top level of Canada's professional musical community.

Opportunities in graduate studies: Humber Music Degree graduates have gone on to Masters and Doctorate programs at Julliard School of Music, McGill University, the University of Toronto, York University, OISE, UOIT, Trinity College, the University of Louisville, New England Conservatory, Eastman, Laurier and other institutions.

World-class guest artists: "Composer Week," "Artist/Producer Week" and a "Visiting Artist in Residence" program allow students to interact and perform with many of the top musicians and producers in the world. Recent guests include Jack DeJohnette, Michael Brecker, Chris Potter, Larry Goldings, Dave Holland and Bob Ezrin.

Diverse performance experiences: Humber offers 50 ensembles in a variety of styles, giving students a wide breadth of performance experiences.

Outstanding instructors: Humber graduates and faculty continuously dominate the Juno Awards and other industry benchmarks. Please see "Success Stories" for more information.

Work placement: Humber has a work placement program that provides students with experience in various levels of the music industry before they graduate.

Pathways: There are many pathways to a career in music. Unlike solely performance-based degrees, Humber offers specialization in the areas of performance, composition, arranging and scoring, pedagogy and more. Humber has recently introduced a new Enriched Jazz Stream designation for advanced jazz students.

Many awards and grants: Humber music recognizes its most musically and academically accomplished students by awarding over $60,000 in awards that help students fund their education or launch their professional career.

4th year recording projects: Humber students have access to a state-of-the-art recording facility where they create a professional-level recording that is their calling-card into the music business. Each student gains production experience as well.

One-on-One instruction: Unlike most other institutions, Humber offers each student a 1-hour private lesson for each of their 4 years, in addition to 2 years of master classes on their major instrument.

The Humber Advantage

Guest Artists

As a result of Toronto’s vibrant concert and club scene, Humber students are treated regularly to composer/producer/artist-in-residence events, workshops and clinics with world-class musicians, producers, and composers. Recent guests have included Jack DeJohnette, Greg Wells, Dave Holland, Jim McNeely, Kurt Elling, Vince Mendoza, Terence Blanchard, Mike Stern and Chris Potter, to name a few.

These great artists work and perform with students in a variety of ways to improve their professional skills and add inspiration to the Humber experience.

Our Faculty

Humber Also Offers

Jazz Performance – Introduction to Commercial Jazz program. Students who apply to the Bachelor of Music degree program may be recommended for the Jazz Performance – Introduction to Commercial Jazz program. Students who complete that program may then re-audition for the degree program.

Director's Message

Humber’s Bachelor of Music degree program is unlike any other four-year undergraduate degree in North America. Evolving out of Humber’s original music program that began in 1972, the Humber Bachelor of Music program now offers a cutting-edge curriculum that emphasizes the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate an ever-changing music industry.

Humber’s Bachelor of Music degree program is unlike any other four-year undergraduate degree in North America. Evolving out of Humber’s original music program that began in 1972, the Humber Bachelor of Music program now offers a cutting-edge curriculum that emphasizes the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate an ever-changing music industry.

Due to the size, diversity and location of the program, students have the opportunity to study with a faculty that includes many of the finest performers, composers, arrangers, songwriters, producers, engineers and academic leaders in Canada. In addition, students have access to special concerts, clinics and yearly Artist/Producer in Residence events that feature such internationally recognized musicians as Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, Christian McBride, Tommy LiPuma, Terence Blanchard, and Randy Brecker, to name but a few.

Upon successful completion of the first two years of the degree, students have the opportunity to specialize by pursuing elective studies in such areas as arranging, film scoring, advanced improvisation, performance within a broad spectrum of styles, songwriting, composing, music production, pedagogy, business, and more. In year four, all students complete a major recording portfolio project in Humber's state-of-the-art recording studio. This project functions as a calling-card for entrance into the music industry.

Humber’s Bachelor of Music degree is fully recognized domestically and internationally with many of its graduates continuing on to postgraduate studies—including master’s programs and teacher’s colleges—at such schools as the University of Toronto, Juilliard, McGill University, Berklee College of Music, York University and the University of Louisville, among others.

Along with the four-year Bachelor of Music degree, Humber offers the one-year certificate program Introduction to Commercial/Jazz Music. This program provides an opportunity for students to learn fundamental musical skills and prepare for possible entrance into the Bachelor program. Please check our website for further information, student success stories, faculty biographies and much more.

Mike Downes

Program Coordinator and Head of the Bass Department

Bachelor of Music Program, Humber School of Creative and Performing Arts

How do I set up a bass audition?

Applicants must first apply to Humber College. Auditions can then be booked through your MyHumber account. An audition fee of $50 will be charged at the time of booking.

What are the bass audition requirements?

The specific bass audition requirements are posted under the "Requirements" tab. The audition requirements are important, so please read them carefully.

Do the requirements for the bass auditions apply to the Intro to Jazz program?

Yes, the requirements are the same as those for the Degree program. When you audition, you are automatically considered for the Intro program.

Can I submit a recorded audition rather than auditioning in person?

It is strongly suggested that applicants perform a live audition. However, in circumstances where applicants are not residents of Ontario and are unable to be present for a live audition they may submit a recorded video audition. Remote auditions can be submitted online through Slideroom via your MyHumber account. Please download a pdf of the full instructions.

How long is the audition?

Each audition involves a theory and ear test (approximately 30 minutes) at the beginning of your allotted audition time. This is followed by the bass audition, which lasts approximately 20 minutes. There will be a sign-up sheet for the bass auditions.

Do I need to bring an accompanist to my audition?

You are not required to bring an accompanist although you may if you wish. Many bassists choose to play alone. You may also play along with a CD recording. A CD player and stereo are available in the audition room.

I'm not sure which classical piece to prepare. Do you have any suggestions?

There are many commercially available studies by Hrabe, Simandl, Bille, etc. Choose one that demonstrates your musicality and technical facility on the instrument. It is helpful to choose a piece that does not require other parts, such as the above-mentioned bass studies or any movement from the Bach cello suites. The piece should be between 1-4 minutes long.

I'm not sure which jazz piece to prepare. Do you have any suggestions?

Performing a jazz standard is recommended. The usual format is to play one chorus of the melody, one chorus of the bass line and to take an optional solo. You may choose any jazz standard, but the following are a few suggestions:

All the Things You Are

Stella by Starlight

Green Dolphin Street

Autumn Leaves

Yardbird Suite

Blues (Tenor Madness, Billies Bounce, Now's the Time, etc)

Oleo

Someday My Prince Will Come

What happens in the "Intonation" portion of the audition?

You will be asked to tune your bass to the piano. You will also be asked to sing pitches that are played on the piano and to find them on your bass.

Can I audition on electric bass or am I required to audition on upright bass? Are my chances of being accepted better if I audition on upright bass?

Humber accepts both electric and upright bassists. You may audition on electric bass, upright bass or both. There is no advantage to auditioning on upright bass. It is recommended to play whichever instrument you are most comfortable with.

I play upright bass and was wondering if I could borrow a "Humber" upright bass for the audition?

Yes, you can borrow an upright bass for the audition. Please contact the music program ahead of time to make arrangements.

How many bass players audition and how many are accepted?

This varies from year to year. On average approximately 75 bassists apply and 15 are accepted into the Degree program (15 total). An additional number (approximately 5) are accepted into the Intro to Jazz Program.

When will I be notified of my results?

The Registrar's Department usually mails out admission results by late May. The results may be posted earlier on your MyHumber account.

I was not accepted into the program. Can I get feedback on my audition?

Admission to Humber College's Performing Arts programs is based on a competition among prospective students. If you are not admitted to the program, it simply means that in the professional opinion of the audition panelists, another applicant's potential was judged to be at a higher level. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to take private classes to improve their skills and to re-apply the following year. Please note: Due to the high volume of requests, we regret that we are unable to give specific feedback about individual auditions.

What are some of the common mistakes made by applicants? How can I better my chances of acceptance?

The following are some suggestions to avoid common mistakes:

Read and prepare the bass audition requirements carefully. All aspects are important.

Because of the high level of applicants, those applicants who fail to prepare all of the requirements are generally unsuccessful.

Choose a jazz standard as your prepared jazz piece (see the list above as a reference). Many high-school-style stage band bass charts do not meet the requirements for the prepared jazz piece.

Choose a classical piece that works without other parts (unless you bring an accompanist). Bass parts from larger works (orchestral works for example) may not be effective on their own. Please see above for some suggestions.

Ministry Consent

Humber was first granted Ministerial Consent to offer this program in 2005. All degrees offered by Ontario colleges are reviewed by a provincial quality assurance agency on a cyclical basis which results in consent renewals. As a result of the most recent review, Humber has been granted a consent renewal by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to continue to offer this honours degree for a seven-year term starting April 30, 2012.

In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, Humber will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Humber shall ensure that all students admitted to this above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

On June 29, 2018, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Both names may appear on this website.